Latest News
International Gaming Standards Association Appoints Mark Pace as its New President
The members of the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) have appointed Mark Pace as the new President, following Peter DeRaedt’s departure. Mark has been in the gaming industry for over 35 years and has been part of IGSA for over 20 years, acting as Committee Chair, Board Member, Treasurer, and Vice-Chairman of the Board, before joining IGSA as the Managing Director of GSA Europe and Vice President of IGSA.
Mark will also retain his responsibilities as Managing Director of GSA Europe.
In addition, IGSA has elected their Board of Directors for 2024. Following the election process, the Board of Directors met to select its Chair and Vice Chair. The members and appointees are as follows:
- Chairman: Nimish Purohit, Vice President of Product Resilience, Aristocrat
- Vice Chairman: Martin Pedak, Director of Technical Compliance, Playtech
- Treasurer: Paul Burns, ALC (Ex-officio, retired)
Members:
- Syed Hussain, Chief Information Officer, Oregon Lottery;
- Keshav Pitani, Vice President, Research & Development, Light & Wonder.
“On behalf of the entire management team I would like to congratulate and thank our elected 2024 board members. I am deeply honored to take over from our long-time President Peter DeRaedt, who has graciously agreed to remain a part of the association providing advice whenever needed. I am very excited to get to work with our new Board and our members to identify areas and set up committees to create Standards and Best Practices in support of our industry’s needs,” Mark Pace, President of IGSA, said.
“Having Nimish move from Vice Chair to Chair is terrific. His background as a former US Federal and State gaming regulator along with his experience on the commercial side, gives him the ability to understand issues holistically as he leads the Board. We are equally excited that Martin has stepped up to the Vice Chair role. Our focus this year is going to be on identifying where the creation of standards and best practices, especially as they relate to new technologies, can add value to our members and benefit the industry as a whole. We will also seek to strengthen our collaboration with other industry associations and with world-wide regulatory associations to define how these technologies should be implemented, utilized and regulated. The Board and IGSA are well poised to deliver exceptional results,” Mark added.
“I am honored and excited to represent IGSA’s global membership. Our industry is transforming rapidly across both the online and land-based space. The need for standards and best practices to align with regulated products is vital now, more than ever. I look forward to IGSA continuing to work with regulatory authorities whose challenges I understand well to help deliver solutions that drive efficiency, transparency and enhance gaming integrity,” Nimish Purohit, Chairman of IGSA, said.
“I want to thank outgoing Chairman Earle Hall for his transformative leadership and Board of Directors participation across the past four years. We appreciate his energy and dedication and he can be proud of the legacy he leaves behind with the Board and the Association,” he added.
Gaming
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
PENN Entertainment Inc. has launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN’s proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.
Available on Android, iOS and desktop, customers in the Keystone State can access Hollywood Casino through either the ESPN BET app or through the new Hollywood Casino app using their same ESPN BET login credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms. PENN plans to launch Hollywood Casino in additional jurisdictions in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hollywood Casino features a variety of online slots, table games and live dealer content, including bespoke live dealer tables and a dedicated “Casino Floor” lobby that allows users to easily find virtual versions of their favorite slot games from PENN’s retail properties. Hollywood Casino also features original titles from PENN Game Studios, PENN’s in-house casino game development studio that has produced a number of popular online games, including Legendary LarryTM and Wuji MinesTM.
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino is also fully integrated with PENN Play, the Company’s omnichannel loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem rewards, including PENN Cash, exclusive tier benefits and personalized services.
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